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Kole Lind talks signing in Abbotsford, why he’s impressed by Braeden Cootes, and more

Photo credit: Abbotsford Canucks

By Clarke Corsan

Oct 15, 2026, 11:00 EDTUpdated: Oct 15, 2026, 11:04 EDT

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Former Vancouver Canucks prospect Kole Lind joined West Coast Conversation on Wednesday to discuss signing with Abbotsford, reuniting with Canucks GM Ryan Johnson, and what has impressed him about playing with Braeden Cootes.

Lind, who was selected 33rd overall by Vancouver in 2017, played under Johnson with the Utica Comets before the organization’s AHL affiliate moved to Abbotsford in 2021. After a summer of uncertainty, Lind was happy to find his way back to the organization.

“It was a whirlwind of a summer and I didn’t really know what was going to happen for a lot of it. A couple pieces fell into place at the right time and luckily enough I ended up back with the organization and an opportunity to do great things this year.”

Lind said bringing a physical element to his game has always been something he enjoys, particularly when the stakes rise in the playoffs.

“That style of game suits a playoff series best and I’ve always loved to bring that kind of play into it. It gets me into the game more and I feel more at home. I find when I’m at my best, I’m getting under the other team’s skin and making them pay for it whether that’s on the power play or wherever. I like to bring all elements of that and it’s definitely satisfying at the end of the day when you frustrate the other team and come out with the win.”

Lind also reflected on his relationship with Johnson, who was the general manager in Utica during his previous stint with the organization.

“I loved working with RJ from day one. Super professional about everything, tried to make me feel as at home as possible through the whole process with me being a younger guy coming in. Obviously I’m super proud of where he’s gotten to now being the GM of the Canucks, and it’s really cool to see a full circle moment for me and to have him still within the organization reaching new levels himself.”

After a difficult adjustment from junior hockey to the professional ranks, Lind said finding a role in the AHL requires patience.

“The transition from juniors to the professional game is no joke. The American League is a very hard league to not only put up points in but just being a contributing factor. You go from big fish, little pond to little fish, big pond very quickly in that regard, and a lot of it is finding the things that work for you. You have to work harder than you ever thought you’d have to before because there’s people pushing for jobs all over the world.”

Lind has also been impressed by Cootes, who has already shown his versatility while playing in Abbotsford.

“Braeden is a generational player. Very skilled, very smart, I could go on and on about this kid. He’s exactly what the Canucks need; he brings it in all areas of the ice whether that’s power play, penalty kill or whatever. The biggest surprise for me has been how good he is on faceoffs. I didn’t expect a 19-year-old to come in and be as good as he is in the faceoff circle so far.”

“It’s going to take a lot of development and work to stay with it but he’s done a good job in all areas of the game. You can tell the hockey mind of his is there and I’m excited to see what he grows into.”

Finally, Lind explained why having the AHL affiliate in Abbotsford, just an hour from Vancouver, is such a benefit compared to his time playing in Utica.

“I never got to experience it besides this year and I did love my days in Utica, don’t get me wrong, but it’s a huge benefit having your farm team so close to where the NHL team is. Not only just for recalls but having development coaches being able to make the trip out to work with the team on skills, skating, whatever it is, it’s so easy to get those guys out.

“Even being on the same time zone as the NHL club is a huge factor when it comes to adjustments or quick recalls, it’s a heck of a lot easier to have a guy from the AHL make an hour drive on a short notice than a full day of travel.”

You can watch the full interview here.

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